Settling in on the terrace of the Palaphita Kitch...

...a bohemian lakeside bar-restaurant, you order a caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail. The tangy mix of lime and cachaça (sugar-cane spirit) gives it a tantalising taste.

Meanwhile, just across the way, there is the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, illuminated by a floating Christmas tree. All of these exotic touches create a special Christmas magic in which time seems to stand still... Your holiday in Rio de Janeiro is living up to expectations!